IPad in Health Care? Not Yet

by francine Hardaway on January 28, 2010

Such a bummer. Health care workers, like everyone else, love Apple. And they love mobile devices in the hospital, the office, and the field. But Mobile Health News has decided that the new iPad won't be easily adapted to the specialized use-case of health care. And it's not just because of apps, because the apps are there — many have been developed for the iPhone. Here's what the experts say:

The iPad has no camera, an important feature for any connected health tablet.

Despite the iPad's rather impressive “up to” 10 hours of battery life, the Center for Connected Health's Rob Havasy lamented Apple's continued use of non-swappable batteries. Most tablets targeting the healthcare environment boast swappable batteries so clinicians can continue using them without waiting for a charge.

Chilmark Research's John Moore pointed out that the iPad's 9.7 inch screen is not quite big enough for use with intensive medical applications.

Voalte's Rob Campbell argued that the iPad was perhaps too big for many clinicians who would prefer a device that fits snugly into their pockets.

Belgium-based senior managed care manager and respected mHealth pundit Bart Collet noted that unlike many other healthcare tablets, the iPad is not ruggedized and its screen would likely break if dropped. Many healthcare tablets claim to be drop resistant from about three feet.

Quintiles' Adam Istas believes the iPad's healthcare opportunity should not be judged until medical apps specifically built for the platform (and not just those ported over from the iPhone/iPod) come to the market.

Havasy also believes that the iPad's inability to multi-task, meaning it can't run more than one application at once is another big shortcoming that might hamper uptake for healthcare workers.

Most healthcare tablets have barcode scanners — the iPad does not.

Most healthcare tablets are easily disinfected, water-proof and dust resistant. The iPad does not appear to address any of those issues.

What has always interested me is why consumer device makers always diss health care as though it were not a big market segment. When they do that, the field is left to the specialized device companies, who overcharge and under-deliver for devices that are not nearly as easy to use as what the RNs and MDS have at home.

6. Adam is right. The apps will make all the difference. A patient who takes drug x , y , z , and says his / her lips are hurting & how's that possible? A doc won't know unless he remembers what all the side effects can be. He / she will think you're full of it. And all too often the patient knows what causes it before he / she does. The way to get professionals to use those apps is to give it to the patient. And I want to take my data whereever I want, because after all it's mine. It will lower costs as well. And I want … I'm gonna stop my rant now. Adam is right & Google will get into this market bcuz of the ad-$s

All points well taken. However, my experience with health care tells meit's not an industry that adapts easily to workarounds, perhaps because it'sbeen spoiled by all the proprietary and expensive devices developedespecially for it:-) And if its going to go to open, perhaps it should goREALLY open (Android).

Can't say I know it that well. I do know lots of healthcare professionals are being educated by patients who find their information on the internet so when the patients end up using an app that makes smarter decisions those professionals will end up in a position where they have very little choice but to make use of that application (or the pro version) Maybe I'm over simplifying it. I would like to hear GE's CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt's take on the Android. But you're probably right :-)They won't go for it. Maybe the smaller players will …

Francine, you got it exactly right. As with most Apple products, everyone is rallying around a big ball of hype. There is a large gap between what many HOPE the iPad will do and what it actually CAN do. Tablet PCs have been on the market for many years and promised many of the same things. The limiting factor has been (and most likely will continue to be) software. In the US, CCHIT/Drummond certification (via the ARRA stimulus) will be the badge that differentiates what healthcare facilities will actually support and purchase.I've listed another 10 reasons the current iPad will not be significantly deployed in healthcare if you have the time.

Francine, you've got it exactly right. There is a large gap between what many HOPE the iPad will do and what it actually CAN do. Tablet PCs have been on the market for many years and promised many of the same things. The limiting factor has been (and most likely will continue to be) software. In the US, CCHIT/Drummond certification (via the ARRA stimulus) will be the badge that differentiates what healthcare facilities will actually support and purchase.

Really, it's more a question of being able to afford CCHIT certification – close to $40k for the first 3 years.

I absolutely expect to see iPads scattered throughout patient rooms (e-reading/web surfing)and maybe in the hands of a few staff. But I struggle to think that any facility will be actively deploying them for clinical use.

Francine, you’ve got it exactly right. There is a large gap between what many HOPE the iPad will do and what it actually CAN do. Tablet PCs have been on the market for many years and promised many of the same things. The limiting factor has been (and most likely will continue to be) software. In the US, CCHIT/Drummond certification (via the ARRA stimulus) will be the badge that differentiates what healthcare facilities will actually support and purchase.

Really, it’s more a question of being able to afford CCHIT certification – close to $40k for the first 3 years. nnI absolutely expect to see iPads scattered throughout patient rooms (e-reading/web surfing)and maybe in the hands of a few staff. But I struggle to think that any facility will be actively deploying them for clinical use.

Here’s my personal invitation to attend AZEC10 (http://www.azec10.com), the premier conference in Arizona to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Here, VCs and entrepreneurs and resources meet and learn from each other.

Here’s my personal invitation to attend AZEC10 (http://www.azec10.com), the premier conference in Arizona to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Here, VCs and entrepreneurs and resources meet and learn from each other.

Here’s my personal invitation to attend AZEC10 (http://www.azec10.com), the premier conference in Arizona to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Here, VCs and entrepreneurs and resources meet and learn from each other.

Become a Select Private Client

I do a small amount of private coaching for founders and CEOs who want to succeed. It's intense, it isn't inexpensive, and there should be chemistry between us, or it won't work. Please feel free to email me if you are interested in learning more at francine-at-stealthmode-dot-com.